Thursday, April 30, 2026

CBS Sports Off To Best NFL Television Start in 12 Years

  • Packers-Patriots draws biggest Week 4 audience since CBS’ return to NFL in 1998.
  • NFL on CBS games are averaging 18.559 million viewers through Week 4.
Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Before kicking off NFL’s 2022 season, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus likened the league to a speeding “freight train” that only gets bigger and faster every year.

At the quarter pole of the season, McManus appears to be as talented at predictions as his star analyst Tony Romo.

CBS is off to its best NFL start in 12 years, with the “NFL on CBS” game telecasts averaging 18.559 million viewers so far this season.

The network’s late Sunday afternoon broadcast of the Green Bay Packers’ 27-24 overtime victory over the New England Patriots at venerable Lambeau Field averaged a whopping 24.647 million viewers. 

That was up 8% from last season’s comparable telecast. It marked CBS’s most-watched Week 4 game window since the network returned to the NFL rotation in 1998.

Meanwhile, Paramount+, which streams live local-market games, is on pace for its most-streamed NFL season ever. 

During Week 4, the platform scored double-digit year-over-year growth in households, minutes and average minute audience (AMA). 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tim Cook
exclusive

Seahawks Sale Watch: Zuckerberg, Cook Among Rumored Bidders

At least four potential majority buyers have expressed interest, sources tell FOS.

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6. million viewers.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.

Titans’ Post-Vrabel Shake-Up Continues With Chad Brinker’s Exit

Chad Brinker stepped down as president of football operations.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
WWE NXT
exclusive
April 28, 2026

WWE Moving 20 NXT Premium Live Events to The CW

The deal includes 20 events over the next several years.
April 27, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Slips 3% Despite Faster First Round

The offseason showcase has a surprising dip in its initial audience.
Oct 9, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Deontay Wilder (red/black trunks) is knocked out by Tyson Fury (black/gold trunks) during their WBC/Lineal heavyweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
April 27, 2026

Netflix Continues Boxing Push With Fury–Joshua Superfight

Fury and Joshua have both previously fought on Netflix events.
Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
April 27, 2026

With Tomlin Signed, Philip Rivers Becomes NFL Media’s Top TV Target

The 44-year-old started three games for the Colts last season.